A writer friend introduced me to this sketch a long time ago and today it is still one of my favs. It's a great example of twisting a cliché into something original, and will give all writers a good laugh...so enjoy!The Prodigal Son … [Read more...] about Monty Python on Clichés…
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A Special Character Cliché: Parents
In some children/YA books, parents can be reduced to cardboard clichés in order to be seen 'at the edges' of a story without being in danger of taking it over. Why is this? Simply because to create a realistic environment, we may need a parental presence. Mom or Dad get a scene or two using the … [Read more...] about A Special Character Cliché: Parents
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Humility/Meekness
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Humility/Meekness
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Amusement
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Amusement
Favorite Writing Books
Over the last few years, Becca and I have read many writing books together, sharing our impressions and insights on each via email. It's been a wonderful way to learn more about writing and often if one of us became unclear on a particular concept, the other would be able to offer the missing key … [Read more...] about Favorite Writing Books
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Curiosity
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Curiosity
Clichés, Part 4
I thought we should add to our body count of Character Clichés before moving on. Again, because I write Children’s, I’m focusing on the younger spectrum of the tired, recycled and overused Paris Hiltons—er, character clichés. Speaking of Paris, let’s start with… The Dumb Blonde Blonde, … [Read more...] about Clichés, Part 4
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Smugness
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Smugness
Life is like a Hot Dog…
There's nothing better than a hot dog on a nice summer evening. It's something we grew up with, right along with the mysterious urban legend that hotdogs were made from the gross parts of our friend Cow. My brother and I refused to believe it. They taste so good, after all. And by the time we grew … [Read more...] about Life is like a Hot Dog…
Your Audience: Boys vs.Girls
Sparked by a thread over at Absolute Write, I thought it might be interesting to look at what hooks a boy reader vs. a girl reader in the Chapter Book/Middle Grade category. As a writer of what may be classified as ‘boy books,’ I strive hard to cross the gender line and create stories that will … [Read more...] about Your Audience: Boys vs.Girls
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Contentment
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Contentment
Clichés, Part 3
Seeing as I blasted clichéd villains in my last post, I thought I'd look at a few more offenders in the character category. First up...The Rich and Handsome Jock (AKA Mr. Popularity)That's right. The Quarterback, the Basketball Star, the Track and Field God. He's the guy rarely seen without an … [Read more...] about Clichés, Part 3